The training institute sees youth as living in the "springtime" of life — a period "endowed with marvelous glory," marked by a unique "strength and vigor," and regarded as the "choicest time in human life." Though often seen by others as carefree, young people carry real concern for the world around them and a sincere desire to see it change. The institute channels this energy toward a twofold purpose: taking charge of one's own intellectual and spiritual growth while contributing to the transformation of society. Characterized by altruism and an eagerness to learn, youth are seen as the spearhead of any enterprise and the driving force of community-building efforts. By walking a path of service that integrates study and action, they become potent instruments for progress, assuming a "sacred charge" to provide spiritual education to rising generations and to build a world founded on unity and spiritual transformation.

  • The Ruhi Institute's curriculum for youth and adults is a series of courses Atlantic RTI offers to build capacity to serve communities.

    A selection of courses from the training institute that focuses on building capacity to walk a path of service:

    • Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

    • Book 2: Arising to Serve

    • Book 3: Teaching Children's Classes, Grade 1

    • Book 5: Releasing the Powers of Junior Youth

    The curriculum draws on Bahá'í principles and the global experience of similar institutes worldwide. Participants are expected to be open to applying these principles in their own lives and their community's life — this doesn't mean participants are expected to become Bahá'ís; Bahá'ís are not permitted to proselytize.

  • Spaces for youth happen weekly in a setting that is loving, safe, fun and service oriented. Youth have the opportunity to go through training institute courses together and accompany each other in their service.

    These gatherings provide a setting for planning and sharing learning about activities youth are leading, while also cultivating strong ties of friendship and helping youth think about leading more coherent lives.

  • Summer of Service is an annual youth volunteer program for youth aged 14–25 across the Atlantic region. Designed as an intense, capacity-building leadership and service opportunity, it gives youth a chance to test their limits, build their character, and make a difference in the lives of hundreds of young people.

    During summer months, youth teams — supported by trained adult staff and volunteers — run low-cost educational camps for children and middle schoolers of all backgrounds. These camps build character and reinforce academic skills, helping children avoid the "summer slump" while nurturing good morals. Each session begins with a one-week orientation, followed by a two-week project. Youth learn to work in teams, plan and run curriculum, lead arts and recreation workshops, and coordinate complex, multi-layered events. They also learn to speak about the training institute's programs and principles, and to build relationships with families.

    Young people across the region have found Summer of Service a transformative opportunity to act on their desire to make a difference. For many, it becomes one of the most formative summers of their life.

    Participants of any experience level are welcome to apply for any combination, or all, of the summer's sessions.

  • Each year, several annual youth conference are held for those aged 14–25. They are a chance for young people to explore with other like-minded peers their potential to inspire, empower and serve their community and create a better future.

    Why Participate? 

    • You want to build a new world, starting with your community.

    • You desire to cultivate more meaningful friendships.

    • You would like to grow intellectually and spiritually and to contribute to the material and spiritual progress of your community.

    • You want to be part of a community with a unifying vision of the future of society and the nature and purpose of life. 

In 2013, thousands of young people gathered worldwide for a series of youth conferences. This short video captures their reflections on service and community-building — and the role youth play as protagonists of that work.

Let’s Serve Together

Do you think these programs would be beneficial for the families and children in your neighborhood? Are you interested in connecting with the training institute and begin serving your community through its programs? Are you an organization that would like to collaborate with the Atlantic Regional Training Institute? Then we’d like to hear from you.